Senator Frank Ibezim representing Imo North Senatorial district has advocated for the creation of additional States in the South East now that the Constitution review was in the process.
The creation of additional States, he argued, would balance power and some political equations as well as pacify the people in the region, while suggesting restructuring to help strengthen the nation’s democracy.
The newly inaugurated lawmaker who spoke to Journalists in Abuja on Friday, on the gains of democracy, to mark the 2021 democracy day celebration, also remarked that, democracy had faired well in Nigeria, compared to the days of military regimes.
He said during the military era, due to some draconian laws, people were not supposed to speak against the government; “but today, people have freedom to speak and you have free speeches also”.
On the clamour for restructuring and secession, the lawmaker said it was high time the government listened to the people and harmonized the differences to ensure peace is restored.
“Now, most Nigerians are calling for peace, and I believe that, with the challenges of our time, maybe it is a way to eventually help this nation. So, I can’t throw away those that are talking about succession.
“All I want for Nigerians is to listen to everybody, because by the time you listen to everybody we will be able to come together. I believe that, this is a great country. I believe that there is hope for positive development and I believe that now is the time for us to look inwards and work together”, Ibezim said.
He said restructuring the country would further strengthen the unity of the people and restore peace and security.
Senator Ibezim, while throwing his weight behind creation of additional state in the South East, added that, it could only be possible through the instrumentality of the amendment of the 1999 constitution, which process is currently ongoing.
He called on Nigerians, especially, agitating groups to remain calm and await the outcomes of the constitution amendment process, which he said would address many issues raised by various groups.
It would be recalled that, the South East region is the only geopolitical zone in Nigeria with only 5 States.
Each of the South South, South West, North Central and North East has 6 States, while the North West had 7 States.
Attempts to create additional states under the current democracy have failed, due to botched constitution amendment processes and unimplemented resolutions of national conferences.
